Gov. Ivey awards more than $9.5 million to assist victims of crime in Alabama

MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 25 grants totaling more than $9.5 million to help victims of crime across Alabama, which includes supporting several agencies in North Alabama..

The organizations receiving funding offer a variety of services that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and other crimes. Services can include counseling, safe shelter, court advocacy, legal services and more.

“I am very thankful for these organizations across our state that provide help to residents of their communities in times of need,” Gov. Ivey said. “These organizations work to ensure that assistance is available for victims of crime 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation, broadband expansion and recreation.

“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations and the important work they do across Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These funds will help each organization continue their services to the people of Alabama.”

The following grants were awarded to Madison and Limestone County agencies:

• $89,000 to the Family Services Center Inc. which serves Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties.
• $49,500 to Legal Services Alabama Inc. This grant provides assistance for Madison County, but the organization serves statewide.
• $77,583 to Thrive Alabama (AIDS Action Coalition of Huntsville Inc.) which serves Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties.
• $523,000 to AshaKiran Inc. This grant provides assistance for Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Montgomery counties, but the organization offers some services statewide.
• $90,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving which serves the families of victims injured or killed by drunken drivers statewide.
• $1.6 million to Alabama CASA Network Inc. which provides court-appointed advocates for abuse victims statewide.
• $1.9 million to the Alabama Department of Human Resources which serves victims of elder abuse statewide.

Along with grant funding, many of these organizations rely on local, private donations to ensure their services are available at no cost to victims year-round.